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Places to visit

Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence

Marlborough region

Palmer Hut, The Clarence.

Palmer Hut, Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence

Map highlighting the Marlborough region of New Zealand.

This valuable conservation land is managed by the Department of Conservation following purchase by the Forest Heritage Fund in 1993. Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence protects some of the highest mountains in New Zealand outside the Southern Alps. It is of national significance geologically and for the many rare, interesting and unique native plants and animals it harbours.

Location

Located in the Clarence River Valley inland from Kaikoura, the conservation area straddles the Seaward Kaikoura Range.

Features

Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence encompasses some of the highest mountains in New Zealand outside the Southern Alps and is of national significance geologically and for the many rare, interesting and unique native plants and animals it harbours.

Activities at Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence

Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence offers excellent recreation opportunities for trampers making the walk over the range to Warden Hut. Horse riders, mountain bikers and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts will find their Clarence experience hard to beat.

Places to stay

Visitors have a choice of five standard huts, as well as a number of smaller huts and bivvies available for hunters.

Plan and prepare

Travelling into Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence is at your own risk. Here you can find out what you need to know before going, how to get an access permit, and how to check if the road is open.

Highlights:

Map

View a map of Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia/Clarence Conservation Park.

Guides and commercial tourism providers

Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide activities and services in Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence.

Find out more

Publications

Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence visitor information (PDF, 1,588K)

Weather

Weather for South Marlborough area - Marlborough rural forecast

Maps

Map of Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Clarence (PDF, 657K)

Learn more

Stop the spread of didymo

Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Have your say on conservation in your community

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

South Marlborough Area Office
Phone:	+64 3 572 9100

Email:
Full office details